German Soccer Team Hertha BSC Kneels In Solidarity With NFL Anthem Protests

Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin linked arms and knelt before the start of their match today against Schalke, reportedly in solidarity with NFL anthem protests:

According to ESPN FC, the stadium PA announcer made explicit that the demonstration shared its meaning with that of NFL anthem protests:

“Berlin is colourful,” the Hertha stadium announcer told the fans in attendance. “Hertha BSC stands for diversity and against violence.

“For this reason, we are joining forces with the protest of our fellow American athletes to take a stand against discrimination.”

“For a tolerant Berlin, both now and forevermore.”

The demonstration was not done during the playing of the German national anthem, because the German national anthem is not routinely played before Bundesliga matches. Imagine that!